Port St. Lucie resident Audrey Michele recently found her calling: bringing healing laughter to the residents of the Treasure Coast.

Michele, 75, became a certified Laughter Leader last August under the guidance of American psychologist Dr. Steve Wilson. He helped introduce India's Dr. Madan Kataria and his healing concept of laughter yoga to the American public in 1999.

Michele is now taking her knowledge of healing laughter to diverse groups across the Treasure Coast, including the elderly residents of several area nursing homes. She can be contacted at (772) 215-0078 or audom4494@bellsouth.net

Q. How did you first hear about the healing effects of laughter?

A. I heard a laughter leader speak to a cancer survivors group at Martin Memorial Hospital. I was so impressed by her presentation that I began seeking out laughter groups. I could not find any in Martin or St. Lucie counties, so I decided to get the training myself.

Q. What do you know about Dr. Madan Kataria, who's also known as the Giggling Guru?

A. Dr. Madan Kataria found that his patients who had a sense of humor and positive attitude recovered more rapidly from their illnesses. Then Dr. Kataria teamed with his yoga teacher wife, Madhuri Kataria, to create laughter exercises using stretching, breathing and meditation.

Q. How has this program changed you?

A. Laughter has been excellent therapy when I have faced difficulties in my personal life. Learning to laugh will result in many benefits — physical, emotional and psychological. Dr. Wilson, however, felt the benefits wouldn't last without a lifestyle adjustment. So taking Dr. Kataria's ideas, he developed a program called Good Hearted Living, which has changed by approach to challenging situations.

Q. How did you become interested in working with the elderly?

A. I began my work at the Council on Aging because my Aunt Nesta, who celebrated her 100th birthday last September, was attending the senior program twice a week. I have since established a very enjoyable relationship with the staff and continue to do monthly sessions. Since then, I have been contacted by several assisted-living facilities and will be doing presentations for them as well. Just recently, I was contacted by someone in charge of an Alzheimer's unit. I am presently doing some research with other laughter leaders who specialize in Alzheimer's patients. I will be meeting with people on staff at two different Alzheimer's facilities, and together we will decide if I can do this work effectively.